Aug 2018
Improving Security Measures for Corporate Events
Whether you’re hosting a small trade show or local fair to a red carpet affair or large business event, event safety and security are essential for corporate events of all sizes and niches. Corporate events not only put guests and employees at risk from multiple danger fronts, they also can potentially place your intellectual property at risk as well.
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Unfortunately, corporate event security is often an afterthought behind decor, menus, and guest lists, and it’s this lack of priority that can make security efforts far more difficult and less effective. In a world where almost anything and anyone can spawn a protest, attack, retaliation, or theft, it’s important to have security in place to protect against these types of dangers. Any threat to the event can leave the host financially at risk, ruin the event itself or leave the lives and property of guests in danger. Because of the risks, safety should always be at the front of mind for any host and security measures must be put in place during a big event.
When planning an event, prioritize security first, consult with experts and make sure a security plan is put in place. Here are a few event security tips to keep in mind, ensuring that the necessary safety precautions and security measures are taken for all events:
Select “Security First” for Large Events
Before a venue is chosen, menus are selected, and guest lists are created, event planners should select a security team for the event. Why? Security works most efficiently and effectively when a corporate event is planned around it versus having security measures try to fit the parameters of an event that is already planned out.
The security team will then be on-hand to assess any unnecessary risks during the planning stage and event set-up, as well as to guide any major decisions regarding security for an equally safe and stunning event. The security provider will also be able to give you an estimate of what security measures will be needed for the event up front. This will help you plan the budget accordingly and ensure you won’t have to compromise on security later on.
Consult with a Corporate Event Security Expert
It is important to carefully vet the security provider you’ve chosen to ensure they’re capable, experienced, and have a professional record in corporate event security. You’ll want to know if they are able to handle the capacity and type of event you’re planning, and whether they’ve done it before, which you can determine by asking for references and insurance details. The consultant should also have experience in a variety of corporate security services, and be able to provide your event with background checks of guests & staff, physical security guards (both armed & unarmed), trained detection dogs, TSCM sweeps, video surveillance and more, depending on your needs.
Determine Security Response Plans
Don’t be afraid to work out worst case scenarios for any security risks to the event with your corporate security consultant. List out all potential security vulnerabilities and security breach scenarios before having to deal with a disaster on the fly. This enables the creation of best case responses to avert disasters and the development of protocols to prevent any threats to the event before action is needed. Be sure to go over terrorist acts, protests, and rallies if applicable and to discuss measures that may need to be taken. For example, the security team may recommend that VIP guests be housed and transported separately.
Control Event Access
For guest and proprietary safety, the security detail must control who enters the venue and also the flow of guests that are being allowed to enter. This often clashes with the need for multiple exit paths for an emergency. Working with a security team off the bat allows event planners to balance exit and entry strategy of potential venues, and plan for how guests will enter, such as ID checks and wristbands. Any “what if” scenarios can also be discussed, such as invited guests arriving with an uninvited, high profile plus-one, and security responses determined ahead of time. Guests and staff can be screened ahead of time as well. The security provider can help determine if more drastic measures, such as no cellphones or searches, will be necessary and how to disclose this to guests beforehand and at the event.
Create an In-House Security Liaison
The security team will work closely with the event planner leading up to the corporate event’s big day. If the event planner will be otherwise engaged or not even be present, another point-of-contact within the company should be appointed to communicate with security. There may be multiple event organizers and staff present, but security needs to have a specific person they can consult and receive updates from, as well as someone who is authorized to make quick decisions on behalf of the host.
These are just a few of the many benefits of prioritizing security & working with a corporate security expert during your event. For more information on corporate event security and the professional security services available at Silent Guardian, contact us today!